John McHugh

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3120.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs and the Army's 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Fort Drum, New York for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the people of Northern New York during one of the worst ice storms to ever hit the region. Their efforts represent the finest tradition of joint training and missions. In January, a devastating storm swept through the northeast, paralyzing most of Northern New York. The ice storm toppled trees, grounded power wires, created flooding and left more than 100,000 homes, businesses, schools and other public and community facilities without power and communications in the bitter cold. The devastation was so severe that six counties were declared a Federal disaster area. The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs' immediate National Guard response and continuous coordination with the Army's active 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) provided full coverage of the disaster area throughout the crisis. Thousands of men and women from the New York Army National Guard, Air National Guard, New York Guard and Naval Militia, and 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) were committed to the emergency. The 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and New York State military forces worked tirelessly to bring needed help to North Country residents. Most people were without heat, water and other basic necessities, some for days, others for weeks. Military personnel delivered generators to homes, shelters and businesses crucial to Northern New York and went door-to-door checking on the well-being and health of residents and bringing food and water. For many, their round- the-clock efforts, in conjunction with that of thousands of local volunteers and county emergency management personnel, and the Fort Drum civilian workforce, meant the difference between life and death. I am proud and honored to have as neighbors such fine men and women serving New York State and our Nation. Throughout the crisis, the North Country witnessed first-hand the high caliber and professionalism of our military personnel. We owe them a debt of gratitude for all that they do and all that they have done. I am pleased to have this opportunity to extend my most sincere thanks to them for making a difference under dire circumstances. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to share with you the following letters from two of my constituents, Sanford Jones of Black River and Martha Hartle of Potsdam, addressed to Major General Lawson Magruder, Commander of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and Fort Drum. These two letters are illustrative of scores of tributes which have been sent to him, the New York National Guard, local newspapers and my office. Potsdam, NY, January 19, 1997. Maj. Gen. Lawson W. Magruder, III Secretary of General Staff, Fort Drum, NY. Dear Sir: As coordinator of disaster medical services at the Maxcy Hall Shelter in Potsdam during Ice Storm '98, I am writing to thank you and your Fort Drum troops who came to help us out at the shelter. The first few days of the storm offered several challenges that were frightening, to say the least. And then, in came the Fort Drum people. My sense of relief and that of my fellow volunteers can not be overstated when we realized that help had arrived in the guise of military uniforms. I want to specifically commend the actions of Sergeant John Ott, Lieutenant Cathleen Shultz and Chaplain Swain who continually offered administrative support and skilled medical assistance to me and the volunteers, as well as emotional and personal care support to our elderly. Without them, I am certain that the services we offered at the shelter would have been substantially diminished. Sergeant Ott served as my administrative support and never wavered in his duty. He was always respectful and quick to offer knowledgeable and helpful advice. He taught me a lot about delegating and yet never flinched at any duty I asked him to address. When the troops arrived, John offered to set up a duty schedule for me and he did a fantastic job. We were all tired, and his schedule provided each of us some much needed rest. He is a soldier of whom you can be proud. I will never forget his friendly smile and warm good humor during such a difficult time. Lieutenant Shultz was my right-hand medical person. She dealt with several medical situations that would normally be less challenging, and she responded well. She always kept her sense of humor and helped to keep our perspective. She dealt well with the young, the old, and the medically compromised. Her calm and efficient care provided our folks the sense of security was needed during this tremendously difficult time. Chaplain Swain was also the perfect person for our shelter. I had made it clear that we must do everything we could for our seniors who were distressed by leaving their home. Chaplain Swain fell right into that role and spent countless hours listening, talking, hugging, and praying with our ``guests.'' When a recently recovering alcoholic requested a bible, knew just the person for the job--Chaplain Swain. His kind, calm demeanor was heart warming to me when I had an extra minute to observe his interactions with our people. The Chaplain also spent time lifting patients, personal assistance with bathroom and other personal details, and helped feed those needing assistance. Sir, this ice storm has provided the perfect opportunity for North County people to experience first hand the remarkable assets provided by our military and enjoyed by our Country. Ott, and Swain are three names that stand out in my mind, but be assured that every soldier who arrived at the Maxcy Hall Shelter in Potsdam spent days demonstrating to us that they are caring, loyal, and unselfish people. Sincerely, Martha E. Hartle.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 916) to designate the United States Post Office building located at 750 Highway 28 East in Taylorsville, Mississippi, as the ``Blaine H. Eaton Post Office Building''.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us, S. 916, was introduced by the senior Senator from Mississippi, Senator Cochran on June 17, 1997, and cosponsored by the junior Senator from Mississippi, the majority leader, Senator Lott. On October 9 the measure was called up by unanimous consent, discharging the Senate Committee on Government Affairs. It was considered in the Senate without amendment and passed the same day. The legislation designates the United States Post Office located at 750 Highway 28 East in Taylorsville, Mississippi, be known as the ``Blaine H. Eaton Post Office Building''. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Eaton started his professional career as a farmer and cotton buyer from Anderson-Clayton Company. He was executive secretary to U.S. Senator James Eastland before joining the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. After returning from World War II he was elected to the Mississippi State House of Representatives, where he served for 12 years. The bills he passed in Mississippi, such as the farm-to-market legislation, are still benefiting the people of that State today. He left public office in 1958 and became the manager of the Southern Pine Electric Power Association. He was recognized for his outstanding service by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and was presented with the Clyde T. Ellis Award for distinguished service and outstanding leadership. Mr. Eaton retired from his professional career in 1982, but remained active in community service. He taught Sunday school classes for 25 years at the First Baptist Church of Taylorsville, where he was a member until his death in 1995. Mr. Speaker, here, too, I think we see a very fitting individual, fully deserving of having a United States Post Office Building dedicated to his name. This is a man who, like so many others, represents the values, represents the kind of personal qualifications that all of Americans can look toward with a great deal of honor and a great deal of respect. I would certainly urge all of my colleagues to join in supporting the entire State delegation, including Mr. Pickering, who is not able to be with us on the floor today, but I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, was very, very instrumental in ensuring full and fast consideration of this bill in the House, and he would urge its passage as well. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us, S. 916, was introduced by the Senior Senator from Mississippi (Senator Cochran) on June 17, 1997 and cosponsored by the Junior Senator from Mississippi (Senator Lott). On October 9, 1997, the measure was called up by unanimous consent discharging the Senate Committee on Government Affairs. It was considered in the Senate without amendment and passed the same day. This legislation designates the United States Post Office Building located at 750 Highway 28 East in Taylorsville, Mississippi be known as the ``Blaine H. Eaton Post Office Building''. S. 916 honors Blaine H. Eaton, a native of Smith County, Mississippi. He attended Jones Junior College in the 1930's and was named Alumni of the Year in 1984. He also attended the University of Mississippi and George Washington Law School. Mr. Blaine Eaton started his professional career as a farmer and cotton buyer for Anderson-Clayton Co. He was executive secretary to U.S. Senator James O. Eastland before joining the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. After returning from World War II he was elected to the Mississippi State House of Representatives where he served 12 years. The bills he passed in Mississippi, such as the Farm-to-Market legislation, are still benefiting the people of Mississippi today. He left public office in 1958 and became the manager of the Southern Pine Electric Power Association. He was recognized for his outstanding service by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and was presented the Clyde T. Ellis Award for distinguished service and outstanding leadership. Mr. Eaton retired from his professional career in 1982 but remained active in community service. He taught Sunday School classes for 25 years at the First Baptist Church of Taylorsville where he was a member until his death in 1995. Mr. Speaker, it is a fitting tribute to Blaine H. Eaton to have the U.S. Post Office Building located at 750 Highway 28 East in Taylorsville, Mississippi, named after this extraordinary Mississippian. Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support S. 916. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, with a final urging of all our colleagues to support this legislation and give a very fitting tribute to a very fitting person, I would urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2836) to designate the building of the United States Postal Service located at 180 East Kellogg Boulevard in Saint Paul, Minnesota, as the ``Eugene J. McCarthy Post Office Building''.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the bill, H.R. 2836, was introduced by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Vento) on November 6, 1997, and was favorably voted on a voice vote by the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight on February 12. The legislation is cosponsored by the entire House delegation of the State of Minnesota, pursuant to committee policy. As the Clerk read, Mr. Speaker, this legislation designates the building of the United States Postal Service located at 180 East Kellogg Boulevard in St. Paul, Minnesota as the ``Eugene J. McCarthy Post Office Building''. Obviously, as we have seen here today, Mr. Speaker, we are accustomed to honor individuals who are fully worthy but often don't have the kind of national reputation for achievement that the subject matter of H.R. 2836 does. Mr. McCarthy has had a long and storied career in government and politics, one that I am sure the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Vento) and others will share with us. I can only say that clearly this gentleman, who is still in his 81st year and residing here in the Washington area, continues to care about this country and to contribute in very special ways. So I would clearly urge the passage of this bill, and extend my appreciation to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Vento) and the other members of the entire Minnesota delegation for their work on behalf of this very worthy piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 2836 was introduced by Representative Vento on November 6, 1997 and was favorably voted on by voice vote by the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight on February 12. The legislation is cosponsored by the entire House Delegation of the State of Minnesota pursuant to Committee policy. The legislation designates the building of the United States Postal Service located at 180 East Kellogg Boulevard in Saint Paul, Minnesota, as the ``Eugene J. McCarthy Post Office Building.'' H.R. 2836 honors Eugene J. McCarthy who served as both a U.S. Representative and Senator from Minnesota for more than two decades. Eugene McCarthy was elected to Congress from Minnesota's 4th District in 1948 and served in the House for 10 years. He was then elected to serve in the U.S. Senate, where he served until 1970. He declared his candidacy for the Democrat nomination for President of the United States in 1968 while he was still in the Senate. He called for an immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops in Vietnam, the first anti-war candidate. Mr. McCarthy, now 81, left politics in 1970 and presently resides in Washington, D.C. However, it would be an suitable tribute to have a post office named after him in his home state. I urge our colleagues to support H.R. 2836. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. And with a final thank you to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Vento) for his hard work on this measure and of course the support of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the entire minority, we would urge our colleagues to adopt this legislation and honor a very remarkable man in this country's history and one who is extraordinarily deserving of the honor contemplated in this bill, and urge its passage.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield three minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), who has been the driving force on this particular piece of legislation. (Mr. LaTOURETTE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2766 was introduced on October 29, 1997, by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), and it is cosponsored by the entire House delegation of the State of Ohio, as required under committee policy. The legislation was unanimously voted out of the committee on February 12, 1998, by a voice vote. H.R. 2766 honors Mr. Karl Bernal, a civic and community leader in Painesville, Ohio. Mr. Bernal was a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Mr. Speaker, I will submit for the record a complete statement on the achievements of this very special individual. I know the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and I presume others will want to make further comments upon that. I think it is worth noting that the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate have recognized Mr. Bernal's volunteer work and his work in mental health services. The gentleman died at the age of 76 after a full life of service to his community. It is worthy of note that the people of Lake County considered Mr. Bernal more than a leader amongst the black community. His obituary stated, ``It would be more accurate to portray him as possibly the most influential person in all the county, without consigning him to a subdivision based on race or other limiting factors.'' Mr. Speaker, I think it is entirely fitting that we designate the Post Office at 215 East Jack Street in Painsville, Ohio, as the Karl Bernal Post Office Building, to honor a man who dedicated his life to his community. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2766 was introduced on October 29, 1997 by the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. LaTourette, and it is cosponsored by the entire House Delegation of the State of Ohio pursuant to the policy of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. The legislation was unanimously voted out by the Committee on February 12, 1998 by voice vote. H.R. 2766 honors Karl Bernal, a civic and community leader in Painesville, Ohio. Mr. Bernal was a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He was probably best known for his two terms as president of the Lake County Branch of the NAACP. Mr. Bernal was founder of the Lake County NAACP Scholarship Program and was a fund-raiser for numerous other organizations. He attended the St. James Episcopal Church for many years. He was a member of the Painesville Area Chamber of Commerce and received its Outstanding Citizen of the Year award in 1989. Additionally, he received the distinguished service award of the Lake County Mental Health Board, distinguished service award of Lakeland Community College, the United Way of Lake County's Good Neighbor Award, the United Way of Lake County's Good Neighbor Award, among many other honors. The Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate recognized Mr. Bernal's volunteer work and for his work in mental health services. Mr. Bernal died at the age of 76 after a full life of service to his community. People of Lake County consider Mr. Bernal more than a leader among the black community; his obituary stated that ``[I]t would be more accurate to portray him as possibly the most influential person in all the country without consigning him to a subdivision based on race or other limiting factors.'' Mr. Speaker, it is fitting to designate the post office at 215 East Jackson Street, Painesville, Ohio as the ``Karl Bernal Post Office Building'' to honor a man who dedicated his life to this community. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge our colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2766) to designate the United States Post Office located at 215 East Jackson Street in Painsville, Ohio, as the ``Karl Bernal Post Office Building''.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 916, the Senate bill just passed.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2773) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3750 North Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, as the ``Daniel J. Doffyn Post Office Building''.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2773 was introduced by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich) on October 30, 1997. The measure is cosponsored by the House delegation, the State of Illinois, pursuant to the policy of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. The committee unanimously voted to favorably pass this measure by voice vote on February 12. As the Clerk has designated, Mr. Speaker, this bill would seek to name the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3750 North Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, to be known as the Daniel J. Doffyn Post Office Building. Mr. Speaker, this legislation honors a very young man of 40 years old, a Chicago police officer who was shot to death by gang members while investigating a routine burglary call. His life, his career is really one that I think exemplifies the sacrifices that police officers across this land make on our behalf each and every day; make on our behalf, rarely thinking of the consequences to their own lives, but simply wishing to be of help and of assistance to their communities. Mr. Speaker, this is a special bill. I feel all of these pieces of legislation are, but this one particularly in that it honors a law enforcement officer and, therefore, it honors all law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty. We are, indeed, irrevocably indebted to these brave men and women who try, at risk of their lives, simply to make our lives better. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich) for his work on behalf of an extraordinarily brave person, and I certainly urge my colleagues to endorse this measure unanimously in support of a very, very worthy individual. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 2773 was introduced by the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Blagojevich, on October 30, 1997. The measure is cosponsored by the House Delegation of the State of Illinois, pursuant to the policy of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. The Committee unanimously voted to favorably pass this measure by voice vote on February 12. H.R. 2773 designates that the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3750 North Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, be known as the ``Daniel J. Doffyn Post Office Building''. Mr. Speaker, this legislation honors Daniel J. Doffyn, a 40-year-old Chicago police officer who was shot to death by gang members while investigating a routine burglary call. Officer Doffyn's long time dream was to be a police officer. That opportunity came just eight months before he was killed. Mr. Speaker, this is a special bill--it honors a law enforcement officer and, therefore, it honors all law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty. We are indebted to these brave men and women who try, at the risk of their lives, to bring order to disorderly situations. An estimated 2,000 police officers traveled from neighboring states and as far away as New York to mourn Officer Doffyn's untimely death and attend his funeral in Chicago. He received the Police Medal of valor for his ultimate sacrifice. His survivors include his 8-year-old daughter, Brittany and his parents. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Illinois for introducing this important legislation and urge our colleagues to support the measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, I do not have any further requests for time. I would again extend my appreciation to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich) for his hard work on behalf of this very, very worthy tribute to a gentleman who represents the very best of what is good in America today, and I urge its unanimous passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 985 was introduced by the junior Senator from New Jersey, Senator Torricelli, on June 27, 1997, and referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. On October 9, the committee discharged the measure by unanimous consent and it was laid before the Senate by unanimous consent. The Senate agreed to an amendment and S. 985, as amended, passed the Senate. The House received the legislation on October 21, and it was referred to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. The committee unanimously passed S. 985 on voice vote on February 12. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention that the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) introduced similar legislation, H.R. 2116, on June 8, 1997, which was cosponsored by the Members of the House delegation from the State of New Jersey, pursuant to the committee policy, and 45 other Members of Congress. S. 985 honors Larry Doby, the first African-American to play in the American League. Mr. Speaker, Larry Doby was born in Camden, South Carolina, but moved to Paterson, New Jersey, with his mother when he was 8 years old. So I think we can understand why the great people of the great State of New Jersey take great pride in the fact of calling Mr. Doby a resident of their State. He was a gentleman who obviously excelled in sports while in high school and attended Long Island University briefly on a basketball scholarship before he heard his Nation's call in another way and went into service in the Navy. Mr. Speaker, after World War II ended, he returned to play for the Negro League Newark Eagles and there history truly began. His was a storied career; one of high achievement; one of playing as the first African-American on a world championship team, helping the Indians to that championship victory. He later played 13 seasons in the majors with the Cleveland Indians, the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers. He had a career average of .283 with 253 home runs. Mr. Speaker, Larry Doby, by any measure, had a remarkable career in baseball. But he had placed upon him an additional challenge, one of his ethnic background. Many of us think, very rightfully so, of the incredible achievements of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in the major leagues, and some of us very incorrectly somehow assume at times that after Jackie Robinson, everything was easy. That was anything but the case and Larry Doby, in his own way, took on that challenge in every bit as an effective fashion as the great Jackie Robinson, and I know they consider each other as colleagues and co- pioneers in doing some remarkable things. The designation of this post office, I think, is a very, very fitting tribute to a remarkable man with a remarkable career, facing equally remarkable challenges. And I would urge all of my colleagues to unanimously join in passing this worthy piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I would again thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) for his efforts in working with his colleagues in the Senate in bringing this bill to the floor here today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 985) to designate the post office located at 194 Ward Street in Paterson, New Jersey, as the ``Larry Doby Post Office''.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume and echo the words of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) and note the very worthy individual we are about to honor on this last piece of legislation and urge its unanimous acceptance by the body. I would also like to return the very gracious remarks of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and also extend my deep appreciation to him, to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), the entire membership on the minority side of the subcommittee, and the staff who have worked with us to bring these six bills to the floor and, in anticipation of passage of the final one, for a fairly successful afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3120) to designate the United States Post Office located at 95 West 100 South Street in Provo, Utah as the ``Howard C. Nielson Post Office Building,'' as amended.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back, I would just briefly state that I want to express my appreciation to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and all the committee staff members on both the minority and majority side for their efforts. What we heard today is descriptive of really an extraordinary man. I would ask all of my colleagues to support this measure and give a very justified honor to a very special person. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 2766.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 2836, the bill just passed.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill just passed, H.R. 2773.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 985, the Senate bill just passed.